Fund Development Assistant

**Position Summary**:
The Fund Development Assistant will play an integral role in developing and implementing strategies to increase support of TTLT’s mission, cultivating relationships with supporters, tracking and managing donor relationships, supporting communications, and coordinating donor stewardship activities and events. The Fund Development Assistant will work closely with the Executive Director and the Fund Development Working Group on fundraising goals and strategies. Previous fundraising experience is not required but a strong interest in fundraising and a willingness to learn are a must. Training will be provided as part of the position.

This is a full-time, permanent position with employer-paid health and dental benefits package, employer matched contributions to retirement plan, 2 weeks paid vacation with additional 3 paid days off (usually taken between Christmas and New Years Day but flexible), and professional development opportunities. TTLT also typically provides an annual cost of living adjustment plus opportunity for merit increases based on performance evaluations.

**Key Responsibilities**:

- Donor Cultivation: Assist in developing and implementing strategies to identify and cultivate potential donors, including individuals, corporations and foundations.
- Grant Prospecting: Research and identify grant opportunities that align with our organization's goals and objectives.
- Fundraising Campaigns: Collaborate with the Fund Development Working Group to plan and execute fundraising campaigns, donor stewardship activities, and donor appreciation events.
- Database Management: Maintain accurate and up-to-date donor records in our CRM system, ensuring proper tracking of donations, acknowledgments and communication history.
- Donor Communications: Assist in developing and updating persuasive fundraising materials, such as donation appeal letters, Case for Support, impact reports and social media content. Support the development and distribution of regular newsletters to donors, highlighting program achievements and upcoming events.
- Modeling a strong organizational culture of philanthropy amongst staff, volunteers and Board of Directors.
- Event Support: Provide assistance during fundraising events, including logístical planning, volunteer coordination and post-event follow-up.
- Other duties as assigned by the Executive Director.

**Experience, Abilities & Skills**:

- **Must have**:_
- Passion for the mission of Thames Talbot Land Trust, and a love of nature and the outdoors;
- A strong interest in fundraising and a willingness to learn;
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to effectively convey the mission and impact of our organization to potential donors;
- Excellent public speaking skills in both formal and informal settings;
- Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to build and maintain relationships with donors, volunteers and other partners;
- Meticulous attention to detail and a commitment to data accuracy;
- Good organization skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines simultaneously;
- Proficiency in using CRM databases;
- Flexibility to work occasional evenings and weekends, as needed, for fundraising events or meetings;
- Reliability, self-motivation, and ability to work both independently and as part of a team; and
- A valid Ontario driver’s license.
- **Assets**:_
- Previous experience in fundraising or development within a non-profit organization;
- A bachelor's degree in a relevant field, such as Nonprofit Management, Business Administration, or Communications, or equivalent experience;
- Experience with NationBuilder CRM; and
- Experience with graphic design software.

**How to apply**:
**About Us**:
Thames Talbot Land Trust (TTLT) protects and restores nature within Elgin, Middlesex, Oxford, and Perth counties and the City of London, in the current and traditional territories of Indigenous Peoples including Haudenosaunee, Anishinaabeg, Lenaapeewak, Chonnonton, and Wendat Peoples. We recognize that these lands have been cared for and remain under the care of Indigenous Peoples from time immemorial. We aim to work in the spirit and practice of reconciliation, and we are honoured to take part in sustaining and nurturing nature in this region.

With a focus on healthy habitats for wildlife, our work also contributes to human well-being and helps address climate change. TTLT safeguards land through purchase, donation or by special agreements, and cares for the land and water through conservation and restoration initiatives. Since 2000, TTLT has protected more than 2300 acres of land across 28 sites and counting, including wetlands, forests, meadows, agricultural lands and the homes of more than 70 species at risk. TTLT also hosts events and programs aimed at nurturing people’s connection to nature to inspire wonder, promote well-being, and increase support for these protected areas. We are committed to equity and